Toyota Camry - Toyota has been a dominant player with this sedan for almost as long as anyone can remember. The competition has caught up, though. Base price: $23,700. Base engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder (178 hp).(Toyota)

Ford Fusion - The Fusion's a looker, one that drives wonderfully well and is available with a long list of fancy features – from hybrid, to MyFord Touch, to all-wheel-drive and more. The Fusion is so good, it may have a chance of reclaiming past glories of the Taurus, once and for a few years, North America’s best-selling car. Base price: $22,499. Base engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder (175 hp).(Ford)

Honda Accord - Honda put a tremendous effort into reinventing the 2013 Accord and it shows. This four-door is a predictable and entertaining to drive, the cabin is roomy and modern and the Accord’s reliability history is well documented. Base price: $23,990. Base engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder (185 hp)(Honda)

Hyundai Sonata - The current Sonata is Hyundai’s breakthrough model and was as such when it first arrived in the 2010 as a 2011 model. Base price: $23,999. Base engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder (198 hp).(Hyundai)

Nissan Altima - Nissan put a tremendous emphasis on making the Altima immensely fuel-efficient and the effort paid off well. The car is also stylish, has a light feel to it and is available with a host of interesting features. The Altima, in fact, is something of a dark horse in Canada, though the Americans are buying it in huge numbers. Base price: $23,698. Base engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder (182 hp).(Nissan)

Volkswagen Passat - It looks like a big Jetta and that makes sense. The cabin is roomy, but not overwhelmingly wonderful. The key advantage is the TDI diesel engine. Base price: $23,975. Base engine: 2.5-litre five-cylinder (170 hp).(Volkswagen)

Chevrolet Malibu - The latest Malibu is a disappointment compared to its newer rivals. It does not break new styling ground and the cabin packaging falls short of the competition. Base price: $24,995. Base engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder (197 hp)(AJ Mueller/General Motors)

Dodge Avenger/Chrysler 200 - Chrysler upgraded these two in 2011 to keep them fresh. But the four-banger here is not class-leading and the road manners are so-so. Base price: $19,995. Base engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder (173 hp).(Chrysler)

Kia Optima - The Optima has racy styling and has used it to carve out a niche. Base price: $21,995. Base engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder (200 hp).(Kia)